Ombudsman Full Time NEW

Senior Network ServicesOMBUDSMAN – Long Term Care OmbudsmanMISSION:

OMBUDSMAN’S mission is to address complaints and issues for improvements in the long-term care system. For residents of nursing homes, board and care homes, assisted living facilities and other similar adult care facilities, Ombudsman work to resolve problems individual residents encounter. Their mission is to educate, provide technical support, advocate for changes, provide information and represent residents’ interests before governmental agencies, and others and to seek legal, administrative and other remedies to protect residents.

COUNSELOR OVERVIEW:

Under the supervision of the local Program Manager, the OMBUDSMAN counsels, and provides information to advocates on behalf of long-term care residents. They identify, investigate and resolve complaints by or on behalf of residents. The Santa Cruz and San Benito County OMBUDSMAN Volunteers are a part of Senior Network Services and follow guidelines of the agency. A background check is required for all potential staff. Staff are certified with the California Department of Aging.

SPECIFIC DUTIES:

· Educating – In accordance with program guidelines, Ombudsman educate residents, their family, and facility staff about residents’ rights and good care practices

· Ensuring – In accordance with program guidelinesresidents have regular and timely access to ombudsman services

· Advocating – In accordance with program guidelines, advocates for changes to improve residents’ quality of life and care; assist individuals to ensure that their rights and privileges under the Older American’s Act and other applicable federal and California law or regulation are upheld.

· Provide Information – In accordance with program guidelines, provide information to the public regarding long-term care facilities and services, residents’ rights, and legislative and policy issues.

· Make Legal and other referrals – In accordance with program guidelines, represent resident interests before governmental agencies; and seek legal, administrative and other remedies to protect residents, and offer other interventions as needed and appropriate.

· Record Keeping – Maintain accurate records on all client contacts and services provided using the state-mandated, web-based database system, and submit monthly time sheets and other information as requested by the Program Manager.

Computer Literacy – Computer literacy is mandatory for this volunteer position. OMBUDSMAN must have the ability to use the internet to navigate the Ombudsman website, manage an e-mail account, and document client contacts and report outcomes to OMBUDSMAN staff via a state-mandated, web-based database system.

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS:

Service Location – The OMBUDSMAN will provide OMBUDSMAN services from one or more designated OMBUDSMAN service sites, including nursing homes, board and care homes, assisted living facilities and other similar adult care.

Confidentiality – The protection of a client’s right to privacy is of paramount importance to OMBUDSMAN and Senior Network Services. All Ombudsman staff must abide by a contract that assures client confidentiality and must comply with the program’s confidentiality and conflict of interest directives. Counselors must complete Security Awareness Training provided by the California Department of Aging on a yearly basis.

QUALIFICATIONS:

· Interest in people and in advocating for older adults who often have no one to protect them.

· Interest and aptitude in the area of long-term care, facilities and senior issues.

· Ability to communicate effectively.

· Ability to clearly document details and information on forms and to summarize case scenarios utilizing our web-based client management tool.

· Computer literacy is mandatory.

· Ability and willingness to comply with all policies and procedures established by the local OMBUDSMAN Program, the Office of Long-Term Care Ombudsman, the California Department of Aging, and Senior Network Services.

· Ability to be an objective and unbiased problem solver.

· Ability to unequivocally respect the rights of the patient you are working with.

· Ability to respect confidentiality and abide by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA).

HOURS/BENEFITS

· Full-Time: 40 hours/week; Hourly; Non-exempt

· Employer-provided health, dental and vision insurance and EAP plan at 100% for staff members

· Cell phone allowance

· Mileage reimbursement

· $23-$25 per hour, dependent on experience

· Generous PTO and holiday time off (16 days this year)

MAJOR RESTRICTION:

For conflict-of-interest reasons, individuals who have owned, operated or worked in a Skilled Nursing Facility, Residential Care Facility, Immediate Care Facility or Adult Health Care Facility within one year of applying to Ombudsman are not eligible to be considered.

Senior Network Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer. It is the policy of the Senior Network Services to prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type and to afford equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants, without regard to race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, pregnancy, medical condition or genetic information, veteran status, national origin, disability, marital or other protected status.

Pay: $23.00 – $25.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid holidays
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Successful completion of a background check is required for this position.
• Are you able to provide proof of a valid driver’s license and maintain active, personal automobile liability insurance on a vehicle you own to be used for work purposes?

Ability to Commute:

• Capitola, CA 95010 (Required)

Willingness to travel:

• 75% (Required)

Work Location: In person